I was just checking out the "Batman kicks Al-Qaeda's ass" story, where the legendary Frank Miller of "The Dark Knight Returns" and "Sin City" fame is 120 pages into creating a 200 page graphic novel called "Holy Terror, Batman!" (no seriously - for now). In the ABC News article with the photo above and the text below, here's something he said:

ABC News

Batman Takes Aim at Osama

The Caped Crusader Targets Al Qaeda in a Forthcoming Graphic Novel, But Patriotism in Comics Is Nothing New

A Propaganda Throwback

Miller called "Holy Terror, Batman!" a "piece of propaganda" where "Batman kicks al Qaeda's a—." He said his graphic novel channeled an era in the comic-book industry when writers and artists used heroes to spread a clear message and generate patriotism.

"Superman punched out Hitler. So did [Marvel Comics'] Captain America," he said. "That's one of the things they're there for. … These are our folk heroes. It just seems silly to chase around the Riddler when you've got al Qaeda out there."

While the conservatives are going crazy right now, I sure hope Mr. Miller has something up his sleeve. Fighting Al-Qaeda is one thing, but being allegorical enough to reveal the truth about them would also be nice.

Anyway, then there's this article about how cool comics are, and among the coolest is a first-time publisher's called "Civilian Justice" which won a new "Golden Panel" award, recently created to legitimize comics.

Congratulations, it's always nice to hit one out of the park at your first at-bat.

His book is about...

"Graig Weich's Civilian Justice focuses on a civilian so shaken by the Sept. 11 attacks and the death of his girlfriend in the World Trade Center, that he goes on a mission to destroy terrorists who have not only devastated the nation but have framed a peaceful religion and people.

Weich originally planned to launch another book before Civilian Justice. However, he believed Sept. 11 made his character, who wears an American flag bandana as a mask, necessary."

Which is fine, however, he also said...

"A percentage of the proceeds from the first issue of Civilian Justice is going to N.Y.H.E.R.E Fund, which helps victims and families of non-union workers who lost their lives in the Twin Towers attack."

Some characters are even fighting terrorism. Graig Weich's Civilian Justice focuses on a civilian so shaken by the Sept. 11 attacks and the death of his girlfriend in the World Trade Center, that he goes on a mission to destroy terrorists who have not only devastated the nation but have framed a peaceful religion and people.

Weich originally planned to launch another book before Civilian Justice. However, he believed Sept. 11 made his character, who wears an American flag bandana as a mask, necessary.

"I sometimes lecture and give art classes and I was struck when some of the kids I encountered said there was no hero that they could latch on to, that felt real to them," said Weich.

"I wanted a hero to come from this. I believe our job is to make a reason for things. There was no reason for September 11 at all. But I believe our job is to try to make something good come out of it. The character represents a symbol to people, some reason to hope, a sense of empowerment," Weich continued. "That's what Civilian Justice is all about."

A percentage of the proceeds from the first issue of Civilian Justice is going to N.Y.H.E.R.E Fund, which helps victims and families of non-union workers who lost their lives in the Twin Towers attack.

A Work in Progress

Like most pieces of artwork in their infancy, the New York City Comic Book Museum is a work in progress. Currently, officials are looking for a home for the museum. Most of the museum's comic books and other exhibits are kept in a Manhattan mini-storage facility.

Right now, NYCCBM officials are focusing on continuing to educate the public about the importance of comic books.

True believers, as Stan Lee likes to call comic book fans, have no doubt that their heroes are on par with the Picassos and the van Goghs. They're just waiting for the rest of the world to realize that.

"As far as I'm concerned, it is recognized as an art form," said Weich. "It's just that some people have been left out. It's just that there are some people who have to catch up with us."

ABC News: Comics on Par with Picassoa percentage of the proceeds from the first issue of Civilian Justice is going to NYHERE Fund, which helps victims and families of non-union workers who ...abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=101162&page=1 - 33k - Supplemental Result - Cached - Similar pages

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This just in from intrepid comic book insider + uploader Ethan Persoff, who gave us access to the amazing atomic revolution comic book.

1984 CIA "GRENADA" Comic Book - took us years to find and arrange for a copy, this is an actual comic air-dropped onto the island of Grenada after the US invasion of 1983. Read the story the US wanted told at the time. US Government scripted. Pulls no punches.

More information and links to the comics at the intro page.

and from the website :

NEW!

GRENADA: RESCUED FROM RAPE AND SLAVERY - 1984 CIA COMIC BOOK

It's November and that means it's Election Season here in the US. What better way to celebrate the occasion than with an actual comic book produced and written by the CIA. How about a comic that was air-dropped during a US Invasion? "GRENADA" is just that thing. And we promise you it's the number one Real Deal. Acquired through amicable agreement with an actual recipient of the comic and former citizen of the island. This comic pulls no punches. Just look at the picture above of islanders getting their heads banged in by murderers designed to resemble Cubans. And that's just the front cover. Rape, Murder, Lies, Beatings. All tied up in a beautifully dishonest Pro-Reagan Anti-Castro message. George Bush Sr even takes time out his busy post-hurricane Humanitarian schedule to make an appearance. This comic was never meant to be read by anyone in the United States, or anyone outside the Carribean for that matter. Here it is for you,